"I realised I might be making this decision before the World Cup started," Moody, 33, said.

MOST-CAPPED ENGLAND BACK- ROWERS

85 caps: Lawrence Dallaglio

78: Joe Worsley

71: Richard Hill

71: Lewis Moody

66: Neil Back

64: Martin Corry

58: Peter Winterbottom

"Even if they still wanted me to carry on, there's no way I would last another four years."

Moody continued: "If England want to start planning for a successful World Cup in four years time, it is my belief they should be appointing a new captain from February."

Of England's older generation, Mike Tindall and Nick Easter - both 33 - have led the side in Moody's absence over the past 18 months, although their own Test careers may also be drawing to a close.

Of the younger members in the squad, only Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, 25, is currently skipper of his club - and lost his starting spot to veteran Steve Thompson during the World Cup.

Moody made his international debut in June 2001 against Canada and was part of England's Grand Slam and World Cup-winning squads in 2003.

Lewis has been a great servant to English rugby and has literally put his body on the line more times than he can probably remember

England manager Martin Johnson

He played in all seven matches in England's World Cup triumph in Australia, coming off the bench in the final against the hosts to win the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson's match-winning drop-goal.

Playing against Scotland in the 2011 World Cup meant Moody became the 16th England player to make over 70 international appearances - in all he won 71 caps for England and three for the British and Irish Lions on their 2005 tour of New Zealand, including a Test against Argentina.

Analysis - Alastair Eykyn, BBC rugby commentator

At the age of 33, Lewis Moody's battered body is creaking and the effects of an 11-year England career are taking their toll. He accepted responsibility for England's disciplinary problems in New Zealand, describing them as 'at best naive and at worst totally unacceptable'. None of which should cloud Moody's unwavering commitment to his country's cause. Completely without concern for his own body, he flung himself into the danger zone with total - sometimes hare-brained - zeal.

He scored nine tries for his country and, after his announcement, said: "It's a big decision to make. I feel emotional about making it but it's the right thing to do for me and for the England rugby squad.

"My time with England has been unbelievable, even if the last few weeks have not gone so well.

"It's only right for the team to move on. There will be changes, maybe in management and definitely in some of the match-day 22."

England manager Martin Johnson, also a former team-mate of Moody's with Leicester and England, paid tribute to the flanker.

He said: "Lewis has been a great servant to English rugby and has literally put his body on the line more times than he can probably remember.

"To play in two World Cup finals, then lead his country in a third campaign is a great testament to him. He will be missed on and off the field and, on behalf of everyone in the England squad - players, coaches and management - we wish him all the best for the rest of his career."